Judge OKs words for ex-Cuyahoga County official’s trial

Associated Press

AKRON

A jury has been selected in the federal racketeering trial of a former county official in Cleveland.

Attorneys finished selecting the panel on Friday for the trial of former Cuyahoga County commissioner and Democratic chairman Jimmy Dimora. The judge overseeing the trial says opening statements will get under way Wednesday.

Dimora has pleaded not guilty to racketeering and taking bribes including a $1,000 massage in Las Vegas.

The Plain Dealer reports the judge on Thursday ruled that terms such as “bribes” and “kickbacks” are fine for use in the trial.

She also had no problem with many terms the defense had claimed would prejudice the jury if used in court. However, she drew the line at calling Dimora a “corrupt commissioner” or “godfather.”